Salvadoraceae - Mustard family
SA Tree no 621
This tree is common on the floodplains of the larger rivers of the Lowveld. In Kruger it is common along the Shingwedzi and Pafuri Rivers, where they cross through the basalt Ecozones. The tree normally occurs in large uniform stands. It prefers low altitudes in hot areas, along river banks, on flood plains, koppies, brackish sandy flats, and often on termite mounds.
This small tree or shrub, with a height of 2 - 7 m, has moderate density, and is a pale, bluish-grey colour. It is shrub-like, multi-stemmed and sprawling, and grows in large groups, with the branches often hanging to the ground. The bark is greyish-brown, scaling and rough near the base, becoming grey and flaking in rectangular section when old; young branchlets are covered with short soft grey hairs.
Links with animals - The fruit is readily eaten by impala. elephant and kudu, while the leaves are eaten by browser, often being heavily browsed in the dry season.
Human uses - Leaf extracts are used to treat eye ailments.
Best places to see the Transvaal Mustard Tree in Southern Africa:
The Transvaal Mustard Tree is found in the Kruger National Park in the Alluvial Plains ecozone.
 Tree species of Southern Africa >> Printable Tree List <<
South African Trees >> Printable Tree List <<
The Plant Kingdom (Plantae)
Wildlife - Fauna & Flora of Southern Africa
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